WHAT IS THE BEST TIMELINE AND GUIDE FOR SELLING MY HOME?

Selling your home is a major decision, and careful preparation can make a big difference in how quickly it sells, how much you get for it, and how stress-free the process feels. This guide provides a step-by-step 12-week preparation timeline, covers the key tasks to complete, and explains why approaching a real estate agent early is one of the smartest moves you can make.

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Why Preparation Matters ✅

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In NZ’s competitive property market, well-presented homes attract more buyers and higher offers. According to recent agency analysis, staged homes can sell up to 10% faster and for a better price compared to similar but poorly presented homes.

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Declutter Early

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Removing excess furniture and personal items makes rooms appear bigger and helps buyers visualise themselves in the space.

• Storage units or short-term storage help

• Donate/sell unwanted items

• Focus on kitchens, wardrobes, and surfaces

📌 Check out settled.govt.nz's guide on preparing to sell

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Fix the Small Stuff

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Buyers notice the little things. Address these in advance:

• Leaky taps or running toilets

• Cracked tiles or walls

• Broken handles, latches or lights

• Worn carpet or scuffed paint

A $200 repair could save thousands off your final price.

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Maximise Street Appeal

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First impressions matter. According to Barfoot & Thompson, homes that present well from the street can sell up to 10% faster.

• Tidy lawns, hedges and gardens

• Clear paths, waterblast driveways

• Clean windows and repaint fences/gates if needed

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Style or Stage the Space

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Professional home staging can increase perceived value and shorten days on market.

• Average cost in NZ: $2,500–$4,500 depending on home size

• Partial staging or simple décor refreshes also work

• Your agent may include this in their marketing package

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Deep Clean Everything

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A professionally cleaned home feels fresh, neutral, and well cared for.

• Clean ovens, showers, grout lines, windows, baseboards

• Air out rooms

• Address any pet or damp odours

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Get a Pre-Sale Building Report (Optional, but Powerful)

While not required, providing a building inspection in advance can help build trust and speed up decision-making.

📌 LIM reports explained – Auckland Council

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WHEN TO TALK TO A REAL ESTATE AGENT?

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Earlier than most people think. Ideally 8–10 weeks before you want to hit the market. Many sellers wait until the last minute to call an agent, this can be a costly mistake. Agents can:

• Agents can help prioritise improvements

• They often have staging and trade contacts

• They’ll give honest feedback on pricing and presentation

• You’ll avoid rushed decisions or missing the best market window

 

In fact, a 2023 survey by settled.govt.nz found that vendors who engaged agents early were 22% more likely to sell within their desired timeframe.

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Costs to Factor In

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Home staging$2,500–$4,500

Professional cleaning$300–$600

Real estate commission2%–3% + GST

Legal fees (conveyancing)$2,000–$4,000

Marketing & photography$3,000 - $10,000

LIM / Building Reports$400–$700

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12-Week Preparation Timeline

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Weeks 12–10: Early Planning

• Decide on your selling goals, price expectations, timing, and next move.

• Research the local market using tools like Realestate.co.nz QV.co.nz, OneRoof.co.nz, or Homes.co.nz.

• Contact real estate agents now, not later. Early engagement means they can advise on repairs, presentation, and timing that suits the market best.

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Weeks 10–8: Decluttering and Repairs

• Declutter each room to make your home feel spacious.

• Repair obvious issues (peeling paint, broken handles, leaky taps).

• Book in tradespeople early,  painters, plumbers, gardeners, as they can be busy. A good agent will have a list of trusted trades people they use all the time.

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Weeks 8–6: Deep Cleaning & Staging Plan

• Organise a professional clean if needed (including carpets and windows).

• Work with your agent to plan professional staging or styling.

• Consider repainting in neutral tones like Resene’s Karen Walker Half Milk White for broad appeal.

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Weeks 6–4: Marketing Preparation

• Your agent will help you get professional photography, videography, and floorplans booked.

• And they will help prepare legal documents — LIM report, title search (through your solicitor), and council consents.

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Weeks 4–2: Staging & Final Touches

• Stage your home.

• Ensure gardens, lawns, and outdoor areas are neat and appealing. again, a good agent can help with this.

• Confirm open home schedule.

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Week 1: Go Live

• Launch your marketing campaign — online listings, signage, social media.

• Hold first open homes.

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Useful NZ Resources

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• Settled.govt.nz — Official NZ home buying/selling guide.

• Sorted.org.nz — Financial planning tools.